Twin explosions kill 8 in Russia

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Two explosions hit republic in southwest Russia

The first was believed to be a suicide car bomb attack

The second occurred when emergency responders pulled up

At least eight people were killed and 20 injured in an apparent suicide car bomb attack and follow-up blast in the capital of Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan, according to state-run news agency RIA Novosti.

The twin explosions in Makhachkala killed five police officers, two rescuers and a civilian, reported RIA Novosti, quoting a law enforcement source.

The second explosion occurred about 10 minutes after the suicide attack near a police field post. It caused casualties among arriving emergency responders.

Hospital sources told RIA Novosti that the number of injured could be "between 25 and 30."

Violence has plagued Dagestan for years as Islamist rebels fight Russian rule over the region.